Point to prove: Oman, like Kuwait, are so far without a win in the tournament. Photo: Reuters

8:00pm AET, Saturday, Newcastle Stadium

Television:

Fox Sports 4 (live)

Referee:

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Fahad Al-Mirdasi (Saudi Arabia)

Odds:

Oman $2.25, draw $3.20, Kuwait $3.30 (Sportsbet.com.au)

Rankings:

Oman: 93, Kuwait: 125

FIVE TO WATCH

1. Amad Al-Hosni (Oman)

Has failed to find the net in this tournament so far, which is something of a surprise given he's scored 36 international goals. Then again, chances have been few and far between against two top Asian sides. The veteran should get a much better look at the goal in this game and he'll be looked upon to score Oman's first goal of the tournament.

2. Abdulaziz Al Misha'an (Kuwait)

Laboured without success against Australia when played out of position as a lone striker against Australia but looked much more threatening when dropped into an attacking midfield role against South Korea. He was voted man of the match in that game and a similar performance here is required if Kuwait are to win.

3. Ali Al-Habsi (Oman)

Put in one of the worst games of his international career on Tuesday, conceding four times – one of which was a real stinker. A terrible way to mark 100 international caps. He's so much better than that and knows he owes his team a big display between the posts to round the tournament.

4. Musaed Neda (Kuwait)

After struggling to keep Australia's rampant forward at bay in Melbourne, Neda was back to his calm and composed self against South Korea. At 31, this could be the captain's last major international tournament. He is the squad's oldest player, which means he'll want to go out on a high if he's not back next time around.

5. Ahmed Mubarak Al-Mahaijri (Oman)

The veteran right winger was soundly beaten up by the left-sided combination of Robbie Kruse and Jason Davidson in Sydney, who combined to run the 29-year old ragged over a torrid 90 minutes. Like Al-Habsi, Al-Mahaijri has too much pride to put in another lowly display.

KEY MATCH-UP

Eid Al-Farsi (Oman) v Fahad Al Ansari (Kuwait)

The towering figure of Al Ansari has been one of Kuwait's few highlights in this tournament. He's battled endlessly to stop wave after wave of Australian and Korean attacks and he'll be handed the job of protecting the back four from the threat of Eid Al-Farsi, the Omani's clever number 10.

IN THE DUGOUT

Paul Le Guen (Oman)

A winless Asian Cup would spell the end of most coaches but Le Guen seems to have great protection in his role with Oman – almost a job-for-life type operation seems to be in play. More was expected from his team against Australia and he ought to try and save face with a win here.

Nabil Maaloul (Kuwait)

A ramshackle build-up for Kuwait has been borne out in their performances. Trounced by Australia, they battled gamely against South Korea but came away with nothing to show for it. The Tunisian coach certainly talks a confident game but the rapid-fire of Gulf football, another loss could see his short spell abruptly ended.

A SPOT OF POLITICS

Oman and Kuwait maintain hospitable relations and are both members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the organisation which has unified the nations on the southern side of the Persian Gulf.